Immunizations

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/shs/immunizations.html

Minnesota law requires that students born after 1956 must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella in order to be enrolled at Minnesota State University, Mankato. For further information about this law, including specific exemptions, contact the Office of Admissions at 507-389-1822. These immunizations are available at the Student Health Services.

Here are the Immunizations required for admission to Minnesota State University, Mankato:

Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td): Once every ten years. We recommend, when updating Td, to substitute the Tdap once for protection against pertussis for a minimal upcharge.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): One dose given on or after first birthday. For complete protection against measles, a SECOND MMR is recommended.

If these requirements are not met, the immunizations are available at Student Health Services.

In addition to the immunizations required by law, it is recommended that students also consider the following immunizations:

Meningococcal vaccine (meningitis): The Advisory Comittee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends dose #1 at 11-12 years of age and dose #2 at 16 years of age. If dose #1 is delayed until 13-15 years of age, give dose #2 at 16-18 years of age. If dose #1 is delayed until 16 years of age or older, dose #2 is not recommended. Student Health Services carries Menveo brand.

Influenza (flu shot): One dose every fall, especially for those at high risk; asthma, heart/lung disease, on drugs which decrease immunity.

Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/acellular Pertussis): New recommendation which adds pertussis (whooping cough) booster to the Td vaccine. A one time booster is given instead of the next scheduled Td booster.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia shot): One-time vaccine, especially for those at high risk (adults 65 and over, people with chronic illnesses, spleen removal).

Hepatitis A: New recommendation of 2 doses 6-12 months apart. Especially important for people traveling outside of the United States.

Hepatitis B: Recommended for everyone. Many children now receive this shot as a routine part of child immunization plans. Series of 3 vaccinations over 6 months. Catch up vaccinations are available.

Varicella (Chickenpox): Many students will have had the chickenpox before enrolling at MSU. Adults who have not had the chickenpox should have 2 doses of the vaccine at least one month apart.

Polio: Most students have received this immunization series during childhood. Adults living in the United States who never received or completed this immunization series during childhood do not need to be vaccinated unless they will be traveling to areas where exposure is likely.

HPV: Vaccine that helps protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV causes genital warts and is the most common cause of cervical cancer. For females, either Gardasil or Cervarix is recommended in a 3-dose series for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years and for those aged 13 through 26 years, if not previously vaccinated. For males, Gardasil is recommended in a 3-dose series for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years and for those aged 13 through 21 years, if not previously vaccinated. Males aged 22 through 26 years may be vaccinated.

Travel Immunizations/medications: Immunizations and medications may be recommended or required depending on travel locations outside of the United States. Common immunizations/medications include; Hepatitis A/B, Influenza, Meningitis, Typhoid, Malaria, and Polio. Yellow Fever vaccine is currently not available at the Student Health Services. It is recommended to schedule an appointment to discuss the appropriate immunizations/medications AT LEAST 4-6 weeks before departure.

These vaccinations are available at the Student Health Services. Some must be paid for at the time of immunization and some may be covered by your insurance plan.